Staff Member Recovering from Assault at O.H. Close Youth Correctional Facility

November 1, 2018

STOCKTON – A youth correctional counselor is recovering from an attack by two youth that occurred Wednesday, Oct. 31 at O.H. Close Youth Correctional Facility.

At 1:45 p.m., the two youth attacked the counselor inside a facility living unit, repeatedly striking him in the head. Another youth correctional counselor immediately ordered the youth to stop the assault. One of the youth fled the area, while the other continued to strike the counselor. The responding counselor used physical force to pull the remaining youth off of the counselor. That youth also fled.

Both youth involved in the attack followed the instructions of responding staff and laid down on the ground, submitting to restraints. They were removed from the living unit and transported to another facility while the incident is being investigated. No other youth participated in the attack.

The counselor who was attacked was transported to an outside hospital and was treated for a fractured nose, fractures to both of his cheekbones, a concussion and a hematoma on the side of his head. He was released from the hospital the same evening. The injuries do not appear to be life-threatening.

The youth who participated in the attack will face charges of assault on a peace officer. Movement is limited in the housing unit where the attack occurred, as the investigation continues.

O.H. Close Youth Correctional Facility houses 162 Division of Juvenile Justice males in dormitory-style living units. The facility provides education and treatment to California’s youthful offenders up to the age of 25 who have the most serious criminal backgrounds and most intense treatment needs. DJJ provides academic and vocational education and treatment programs that address violent and criminogenic behavior. DJJ also treats sex offender behavior and substance abuse and mental health problems, and provides medical care, while maintaining a safe and secure environment conducive to learning. Youth are assigned living units based on their age, gender, risk of institutional violence and their specialized treatment needs. O.H. Close Youth Correctional Facility employs 193 people.